“…a word or an image is symbolic when it implies something
more than its obvious and immediate meaning.” –Carl Gustav Jung, Man and His Symbols
This image changed my life:
It was created by the Computing Technology Industry
Association (CompTIA).
CompTIA is the leading provider of vendor-neutral IT
certifications in the world.
On May 4, 2008, that image, along with the CompTIA A+
certification that it symbolizes, announced to the world that I was in
possession of the knowledge and skills necessary to fix and configure the most
common computer technologies in use at that time.
It symbolized my
competency as a Technologist.
I was fortunate to already be employed as a software support
representative, but my career took off when I decided to get certified.
For me, the A+ certification led not only to more money, but to more responsibility,
which lead to more skill development, which lead to more opportunities, which
led to more money, and on and on and on, and this virtuous cycle continues
today.
A+ will not guarantee you a job, but I’m recommending it, because
it worked for me.
I didn’t study computer science in college.
I only had the
desire to do better than I was doing.
So, for anyone interested in starting a career in IT support, the A+ validates computer support skills. You will learn how to fix, enhance,
and eventually design computer systems.
*Note: computer support is distinct from computer programming, which
will be covered in future posts.
Search the internet, and you’ll find plenty of favor, and a good amount opposition regarding the A+ certification (and IT certifications in general).
Again, this is my advice, based on my experience. The A+
worked for me, and here is more evidence that it can work for you:
Honorable
Mentions Based on Popularity
Popularity
|
Certification
|
Salary
|
||||||||||||||||||
1
|
$79,877
|
|||||||||||||||||||
2
|
$81,601
|
|||||||||||||||||||
3
|
$83,945
|
|||||||||||||||||||
4
|
$89,147
|
The A+ Certification requires two tests. Each costs a little
over $200. That amount may be hard to come by. Trust me, I know. It was going
to take me 3 to 6 months to save for the exam, but I was blessed to be able to
borrow the money from one of my cousins. If you don’t have a benevolent kin, don’t
worry, use the 3 to 6 months I believe it will take for you to prepare for the
tests to save up.
Let’s assume that you currently make minimum wage, $7.25/hr.
Let’s also assume that you work 40 hours a week. After taxes, you should bring
home between $900 and $1000 a month. If you disciplined yourself to save $100
per month, it would take you only 4 months to save enough to cover the exam
fees.
AND IF YOU DON’T THINK YOU CAN DO THAT, READ THIS:
(*Download your own copy here: The Richest Man in Babylon)
How to get started
If you can understand the following concepts, you can pass the A+
tests.
There are four
main components of a modern computing device:
1.
The Central
Processing Unit or CPU is the “brains”, or calculator of the computer.
It processes data, and executes instructions or code.
2.
Main Memory,
or Random Access Memory, or RAM temporarily stores data, remembers instructions
and helps the CPU to execute code faster and more efficiently (More memory =
faster computer)
3.
Storage/Hard
Drive is for permanent data storage. Unlike RAM, the hard drive retains
data even if computing device is turned off
4.
Not pictured, but very important is the Network Interface. This could be
a “card” where an Ethernet cable is connected, or a wireless antenna.
Interaction with a computing device involves input and
output. Several devices can be used to control that interaction.
Examples of input devices:
Keyboard, mouse, thumb drive, microphone, scanner
Examples of output devices
Monitor, printer, speakers
You will need to understand that computing devices accept
connections from different types of devices based upon official, approved
standards, on different types of interfaces, or connections. For example,
internet connections commonly use Ethernet, and thumb drives are connected via
universal serial bus or USB.
You need to understand the interactions between hardware (CPU,
RAM, storage, and network), and software, the things that can only be accessed when the computing device is turned on. Especially important are the Basic Input/Output
System, or BIOS that runs when a computing device is powered on or restarted.
The BIOS initializes, or prepares the computing device for the operating
system. The operating system, or OS, manages the computer hardware and software
at the same time. When most people use a computer, the operating system is
where the majority of input and output interactions take place. The OS presents
software called programs, or applications to users. That software is executed
and controlled by the user, the computer’s hardware, and input and output devices.
What to Study
The material on the test is constantly being updated.
Therefore, you need to fill out a form on the CompTIA website that will give
you access to the latest exam objectives. Click here.
Study material
& guides
I STRONGLY recommend you study 3 to 6
months before testing. Again, we are talking about $400 here! I also recommend
that get a hold of an old computer or two, and practice taking them apart and
putting them back together. Add memory, reinstall the operating system, and
change the BIOS and network settings, etc.
Use the following free training websites as guides:
Begin here:
Then use one of the following:
Or
I will go over some of the more difficult subjects in future
posts.
Topics such as…
…virtualization…
…networking…
…and “cloud” computing…
I will also offer some “tried
and true” tips for gaining employment.
Enough reading.
Here is a “To do”
list:
1. Create study progress goals.
a. Ex. 30 minutes a day, Monday through Friday
2. PASS THE TEST!!!!
3. Get a job and excel on the job!
4. Create a career progression plan.
a. Ex. Help Desk, Systems Administrator, Team Lead,
Architect
5. Explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
a. Look for ways to sell your services
independently
b. Create a team with like-minded individuals and
start a corporation
“Man also produces SYMBOLS
unconsciously and spontaneously, in the form of DREAMS.”
-Jung
Follow Me on Twitter: @TechAndDaBros
